The High-touch Legal Services® Blog…for Startups!

© 2009-2021 Dana H. Shultz

Contracts with Minors can Lead to Major Problems

Photo of a child pringing "A", symbolizing contracts with minorsI recently was consulted concerning contracts with minors. In the first case, a teenager wanted to start a business. In the second, a father wanted his child to become a member of his limited liability company (LLC).

Here is an overview of California law concerning contracts with minors.

A minor is an individual who is under 18 years of age. An adult is an individual who is 18 years of age or older. Family Code Sections 6500-6501

Subject to certain exceptions (some of which are far-reaching, such as those precluding contracts related to real property or personal property not in the minor’s immediate possession or control), minors may enter into agreements. Family Code Sections 6700-6701

However, the minor generally may disaffirm (reject) the agreement before reaching majority, or during a reasonable time thereafter. Family Code Sections 6710-6713

(more…)